peerage

[ peer-ij ]

noun

1. the body of peers of a country or state.
2. the rank or dignity of a peer.
3. a book listing the peers and giving their genealogies.

peerage

/ ˈpɪərɪdʒ /

noun

1. the whole body of peers; aristocracy
2. the position, rank, or title of a peer
3. (esp in the British Isles) a book listing the peers and giving genealogical and other information about them

Word History and Origins

Origin of peerage¹

First recorded in 1425–75, peerage is from the late Middle English word perage. See peer ², -age

Example Sentences

JK Rowling has revealed she turned down two offers of a peerage in the House of Lords and would turn down a third.

From BBC

The MP for North West Essex said of Rowling: "I don't know whether she would take it, but I certainly would give her a peerage."

From BBC

The author's remarks came after Conservative Party leader hopeful Kemi Badenoch said she would give Rowling a peerage for her stance on gender - a position critics have described as being transphobic.

From BBC

The former equalities minister went on to praise Baroness Cass for her review of NHS children's gender services - work Badenoch "managed to get" the doctor a peerage for.

From BBC

The crime series, known collectively under the title Cormoran Strike, were published throughout the 2010s - during which time Rowling was presumably offered a peerage for the second time.

From BBC

Related Words

• dignity
• generosity
• grandeur
• greatness
• integrity
• superiority
• upper class
• virtue